When You Feel Like an Outcast
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." —Psalm 34:18
So many of us have gone through those times when we feel like we don't fit in with anyone. We feel like outcasts of every social group or like we're completely alone. But please know that you are NOT alone in that feeling.
Even though no one wants to talk about, everyone has felt like they're different from everyone else or that they stick out as the weird one among the group. Regardless of feelings about our own "strangeness," please know that this does not affect your inherent value.
Whether you feel like you fit in or that you're on the outside, your value does not budge, change, or lessen one bit. You are valuable, and you don't have to defend the space you take up.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." —Matthew 10:29-31
The negative voice inside your head may be trying to convince you that somehow you have some kind of wrongness about you, but that could not be further from the truth. God made you in your uniqueness—with your specific interests and personality quirks—and that's honestly pretty cool (Psalm 139:13-16).
Dealing with "Outcast" Feelings
I realize that just knowing God loves you and made you the way you are doesn't automatically take away those feelings of "otherness." That knowledge doesn't take away the frustration and loneliness. Those facts don't suddenly bring new friends into your life. So what do you do?
Take a deep breath. Ask God to bring you peace and remind you of your value. Then take a look at the people around you. Remember how I said you aren't the only one? Search out others who seem to be on the sidelines, those who don't fit in. You may make a friend, and, if nothing else happens, hopefullly you've let another person know they are not alone either.
As always, be in prayer, ask God for help and guidance (James 1:5). No problem is too small to bring before Him. He is listening, and He does care. Be patient in the process, and trust that God is in control.
"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." —Romans 12:12 (NLT)
ALSO SEE:
- How do I silence the hateful voices in my head?
- Why do I feel like a loser?
- What does the Bible say about loneliness?
- When Your Friends Leave
- When Friendships End
- What is true friendship?
- How to Be a Better Friend
- Can Christian teens have friends of the opposite gender?
- Can I be friends with non-Christians?
- Feeling Loved When You Don't Feel Loveable
- What if I'm not special?
- What does the Bible say about self-hatred?
- What does the Bible say about self worth?
- What does the Bible say about body image?
- Is it wrong to seek approval?
- PSA for the Awkward
TL;DR
The negative voice inside your head may be trying to convince you that somehow you have some kind of wrongness about you, but that could not be further from the truth. God made you in your uniqueness—with your specific interests and personality quirks—and that's honestly pretty cool (Psalm 139:13-16). Whether you feel like you fit in or that you're on the outside, the way God values you does not budge, change, or lessen one bit.
Writer: Heidi Joelle
Heidi Joelle spends her days staring at paperwork and making sure it is where it is supposed to be, how it is supposed to be, when it is supposed to be. And then she comes home and makes sure the porky little dog isn't eating a trashcan. Between these two events, she tries to learn and see as much of the world around her as possible.
